'Green' schools benefit students

By Rachael Jamison | For The Olympian • Published August 19, 2007

When children across Washington go back to class this fall, they may be returning to a "green" classroom.

Under Washington's green-building legislation, all new schools and major school renovations must be built to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver standard or the Washington Sustainable Schools Protocol (WSSP), a standard for ecological and energy-efficient school design.

Schools built to the high-performance school standard must use methods that increase energy efficiency and water conservation, and materials that have low toxicity and contain recycled materials. The schools must provide natural light and fresh air for the students and minimize waste during construction.

"The protocol was designed to be applied to all schools, regardless of their size or location within the state," said Patricia Jatczak, high-performance school program manager at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Under a volunteer pilot program, four schools were built to the standard. An estimated 19 more under construction across Washington that have chosen to build to the standard. The legislation only applies to schools that receive state funding; however, many districts that aren't required to are choosing to build their schools to the standard.

In addition to contributing to a healthier learning environment, high-performance schools are expected to reduce energy costs. A school in Spokane built in compliance with the protocol estimates its annual energy savings at about $40,000 a year.

Washington Middle School in Olympia integrated many water-saving technologies into their remodel. These include installing low-flow faucets and collecting rainwater for use in low-flow toilets that have a dual-flush option.

"A facility administrator told me that the kids love the toilets because they have a button for number one and a button for number two," Jatczak said.

Washington's Sustainable Schools Protocol will not only help schools save in utility costs, it will provide healthier learning environments for students. For more information on Washington's Sustainable School Protocol, go to www.k12.wa.us/SchFacilities/HighPerformanceSchoolBuildings.aspx.

Rachael Jamison is the green-building program coordinator for the state Department of Ecology. For more information on Ecology's program, call 360-407-6352 or go to www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/greenbuilding.